Description

Perfect for fans of The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street and Waiting for Normal, this charming middle grade mystery is full of heart, humor, and more than a few surprises.

Eleven-turning-twelve-year-old Cassie is an expert Peacock Detective.

Her sharp eye for details is why the Hudsons from across the street call her every time their pet peacocks wander away.

But there are some things even the greatest Peacock Detective can’t figure out, like why her best friend is so angry lately; why her older sister is cutting her hair off; or why her parents are acting like they don’t know each other anymore.

Cassie is an expert at solving things. But what’s a master detective to do when her whole world is changing, and all the answers are out of reach?

About the Author

Carly Nugent lives in Bright, a town in Victoria, Australia. Her short fiction has been featured in numerous publications, including the Bellevue Literary Review and Award Winning Australian Writing. The Peacock Detectives is her first novel.

Praise For…

“[The Peacock Detectives] is satisfying in its energy, style, and use of metaphor [and] approaches tender topics with unflinching courage and aplomb.” — Kirkus Reviews

“This quietly powerful journey deals honestly with the impact of depression and such social issues as gun violence in the U.S. Debut author Nugent sensitively portrays Cassie’s struggles with family and friends as she grows to see that true bonds can be both hard won and well worth the effort.” — Publishers Weekly

“The Peacock Detectives comes to life with charming simplicity, careful symbolism and delightful imagery. Debut novelist Carly Nugent has added a tender touch to the serious life topics of family breakdown and change, grief and mental illness and gives hope in the form of friendship, self-discovery and acceptance.” — Magpies Magazine

“A tender and heartfelt story.” — Martine Murray, author of How to Make a Bird

“Heartfelt and funny…Carly Nugent’s debut is a lively and generous story that acknowledges the powerful feelings of its readers, and the space they occupy in the world.” — Books+Publishing

“Nugent gently explores issues of depression…and brings the whole adventure satisfyingly around with a delightful peacock discovery.” — SA Weekend

“This Australian import has plenty of quirky charm… the book touches on many family and friendship situations with which readers will empathize. Fans of Sheila Turnage and Susan Patron are a natural audience for this story.” — School Library Journal

“Cassie’s narration is friendly and inviting… Audiences will want to come along for the ride and will look forward to the crew’s next adventure.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Cassie has great appeal for the young crowd with her subtly poetic approach, lists, dialogue, and simple explanations- all while tackling some big topics…a highly rewarding read.” — YA Books Central

“This detective story [is] a good choice for any realistic fiction fan, mystery lover or not.”  — Horn Book Magazine